Former Obaseki Special Assistant urges President Tinubu, Governor Okpebholo, Senator Oshiomhole to fast-track implementation
The National Organising Secretary of the Owan Youth Assembly and former Special Assistant to former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Hon. Comrade Osaimokhai Segun Amakhian, has expressed concern over the slow implementation of the Federal University of Sports, Afuze, urging the Federal Government to immediately release funds for the institution’s take-off.
In a statement made available to IBN News, Comrade Amakhian called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and other elected representatives from Edo State to work together to ensure the university becomes operational without further delay.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the bill establishing the Federal University of Sports, Afuze, in February 2025, making it Nigeria’s first specialised federal university dedicated to sports education, research and development.
Amakhian, however, lamented that despite the presidential assent and the significance of the institution, there is still no visible physical infrastructure at the proposed site, describing the situation as disappointing to the people of Owan and Edo State.
He said the university has the potential to become a centre of excellence for sports science, sports medicine, coaching, sports management, research and athlete development, while also creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the region.
According to him, the institution would place Nigeria in a strategic position as a leading destination for specialised sports education in Africa if fully developed.
He urged Governor Monday Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole to use their influence to facilitate adequate federal budgetary allocations and ensure the immediate commencement of physical development at the university.
Amakhian further alleged that the institution has not received the level of attention it deserves because of its location in Owan land, urging political leaders to demonstrate fairness and commitment to the development of every part of Edo State.
He also recalled the proposed Nigeria Police Secondary School approved for Oke-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area during the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police, Late Dr. Solomon Arase, noting that the project never progressed beyond its initial stage.
According to him, the Federal University of Sports, Afuze, should not be allowed to suffer a similar fate.
The former Special Assistant also appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and prominent sons and daughters of Owan to unite in advocating for the immediate implementation of the university.
He specifically called on President Tinubu to ensure the prompt release of funds, appointment of principal officers and commencement of infrastructure development, stressing that the university represents a national asset capable of transforming sports education and youth development in Nigeria.
IBN News reports that although the Federal University of Sports, Afuze, has been legally established following presidential assent, its full implementation remains subject to funding, administrative processes and infrastructure development by the Federal Government.
